December 28, 2024: Day 3 of the IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test will now always be remembered for the coming of age of a player who showed sheer relentlessness! We are talking about Nitish Kumar Reddy, who just blazed a match-changing century against Pat Cummins’ Australia to potentially save India from embarrassment. His century is the reason why India have a chance to qualify for the WTC Final 2025. Meanwhile, the Australian media continued its below-the-belt attack on Virat Kohli, who shoulder-barged Sam Konstas on Day 1. In other news, we had quite fascinating games in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with Suryakumar Yadav continuing his poor form. On that note, let us look at some headline-making stories from December 28.
“Father of Virat Kohli”?
The Australian media continues to target Virat Kohli over his altercation with Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test. Despite the incident occurring four days ago, the media remains fixated on Kohli. A Sunday Times back page featured a picture of Konstas with the headline “Virat, I’m your Father.” The media’s obsession with Kohli has now just crossed line. But after all it’s likely driven by the fact that the “Kohli” brand sells well.
Suryakumar Yadav in trouble?
Suryakumar Yadav’s dream to play in the ICC Champions Trophy might not be fulfilled. This is because he isn’t converting his chances to stake his place in the Indian ODI squad after regular failures in domestic cricket. Recently, he scored a duck against Punjab, combining for just 100 runs in his last 7 domestic appearances. Star players like Suryakumar Yadav should capitalise on domestic games as much as possible
Draw at MCG & India closer to WTC Final?
If the Boxing Day Test at the MCG ends in a draw, India will remain third on the WTC points table with 54.63%, while Australia stays second with 57.29%. This result keeps India in the race for the WTC Final but makes their path challenging. To qualify, India must win the fifth Test at the SCG and rely on Sri Lanka to secure at least one win or two draws in their series against Australia. A 2-2 series draw would still complicate India’s chances, leaving them dependent on other results. If both Tests (MCG and SCG) are drawn, scenarios favoring Australia or South Africa increase. Thanks to Nitish Kumar Reddy, India are in a better position in Melbourne!
Good news for Gujarat Titans!
There is a good news for the Gujarat Titans! GT’s new acquisitions are performing excellently in domestic cricket. Almost every player on their IPL 2025 roster is staking their claim, dishing out consistent performance, match after match. Talk about Ishant Sharma, who took 10 wickets at an incredible economy of 7.16 and at a great bowling SR of 12.00 at the recent SMAT. For Delhi, he recently took 3/48 in the same match where Anuj Rawat, new GT player, smashed scored with 58, taking his VHT tally to 225 at a superb SR of 93.75. Another ex-RCB player, Mahipal Lomror has hammered 213 in 4 innings at an average and SR of 71.00 and 103.90. Not too long ago, Lomror smacked a magical triple century.
Arshdeep Singh in ICC Champions Trophy?
Arshdeep Singh has made a strong case for inclusion in India’s squad for the upcoming England ODIs and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The left-arm pacer took a scintillating 5-wicket haul against a star-studded Mumbai team in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, showcasing his new ball ability and control. With Mohammed Shami injured and Mohammed Siraj out of form, Arshdeep’s impressive performance has opened up an opportunity for him to stake a claim for a spot in the national team. His left-arm angle also plays well for his part.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, take a bow!
Talk about coming of age! India feared for the worst; former cricketers screamed “stupid” when Rishabh Pant handed a simple catch after playing a suicidal shot in the opening session of Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test. But one man, who showed his talent all through the BGT series, had other plans. Nitish Kumar Reddy came in at 191/6 and walked back at the stumps when India’s score read 358/9. In between, he did something magical. After stumps on Day 3, India stood at 356/9, with Mohammed Siraj standing alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy, with Australia having a lead of 129 runs.
